Two new offenses facing off in Denver
Thus far this preseason, it’s readily apparent that Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is still getting accustomed to his team’s new run-first offense under first-year head coach Gary Kubiak. While that’s to be expected, the Broncos are going to want him to show a higher comfort level against San Francisco this week. Meanwhile, the 49ers first-team offense has done very little in two outings under new coordinator Geep Chryst. Colin Kaepernick and company need to have some success in this dress rehearsal.
We have seen the Broncos running game have a ton of success thus far this preseason. Ronnie Hillman is averaging 7.5 yards per rush, while starter C.J. Anderson is at a 4.6 per rush clip. It will be good to see both mixed in with the first-team offense against a deep 49ers defensive line. More importantly, I want to see how Manning handles this new scheme in his first extensive action. Playing into the second quarter last week against the Houston Texans, Manning led the Broncos to zero points and just two first downs while completing 8-of-14 passes for 52 yards.
Kaepernick and Co. haven’t done much either. The much maligned quarterback has completed just 3-of-8 passes for 27 yards in 21 preseason snaps. With new weapons all over the field and at least two new starting offensive linemen, it’s going to be important for Kaepernick to get some reps in this one. It’s going to be equally important to see him finally find a connection with new receiver Torrey Smith, who the 49ers are going to be relying on a great deal this season. A new scheme, new coaching staff, reformatted offensive line and new skill-position players. Yeah, I am sure San Francisco wants to see something from this first team in its third preseason game.